It will be supplied with energy from Bute Energy’s Twyn Energy Park

Renewables focused energy company SmartestEnergy has agreed a long-term supply deal with Bute Energy for clean electricity generated from Twyn Hywel Energy Park.

SmartestEnergy has entered into a 20-year contract for difference (CfD) power purchased agreement (PPA) with Bute.

Located on the border of Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bute’s Twyn Hywel Energy Park project will comprise 14 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 93.4 megawatts. This is enough to power, at capacity, the electricity needs around 81,000 households each year. The project was awarded a CfD in the UK Government’s allocation round seven (AR7), with a target commercial operations date late next year.

As renewable projects can be expensive, developers bid to secure a guaranteed rate – or CfD – they can charge for each megawatt hour (MWh) of power they generate in the coming years.

READ MORE: Caerphilly Council sells solar farm to Fuse EnergyREAD MORE: Blake Morgan appoints first ever co-heads of its Wales office

If the price of electricity on the open market dips below that, subsidies will top up payments to companies. If the price is higher, companies have to pay back the difference to the UK Government.

As a transmission-connected onshore wind asset, Twyn Hywel represents a significant addition to the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure. SmartestEnergy’s experience in transmission-connected wind assets and its competitive pricing were central to its selection as route to market partner, following a tender process in which Bute Energy was supported by investment partner, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

Beyond its energy output, the project is expected to create around 300 jobs.

Will Russell, business development Manager, SmartestEnergy said: “Wales is at a defining moment in its energy transition and SmartestEnergy is proud to be part of it. Working with Bute Energy on Twyn Hywel Energy Park to provide a long-term route to market for a project of this scale reflects our focus on getting the commercial foundations right, so that projects like this can deliver lasting value for the UK energy system.”

Sid Anverali, project director at Bute Energy, said: “We’re proud to deliver this project with SmartestEnergy, and we intend to make it count, not just in megawatts but in skills, jobs, and long-term investment for the communities around Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf. We knew we needed a long-term partner who could go beyond being a capable counterparty and one that shares our ambition for the next two decades and beyond. SmartestEnergy brings exactly that in deep expertise, genuine flexibility, and a team that understands what a project of this scale truly demands.”

The project forms part of Bute Energy’s wider £3bn Welsh onshore wind investment programme.

The Twyn Hywel Wind project further strengthens SmartestEnergy’s growing presence in the CfD market and transmission-connected space.

BEIJING — A striking image shared widely on social media Thursday captured Elon Musk standing alongside President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Apple CEO Tim Cook and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang during the high-stakes U.S.-China summit in Beijing, underscoring the extraordinary convergence of political power and Silicon Valley influence at a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.

The photograph, posted by popular X account @cb_doge, quickly went viral with more than 1 million views within hours. It shows the group in what appears to be a formal meeting or reception at the Great Hall of the People, highlighting Musk’s prominent role in Trump’s delegation as the leaders discuss trade, technology and global flashpoints. Musk, dressed casually in a dark jacket, stands near the center of the frame, symbolizing the growing intersection of American innovation and high-level diplomacy.

Elon Musk with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and members of the U.S. delegation in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/sooA1y9yl1

— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) May 14, 2026

The image has sparked intense online discussion, with users describing it as “history in one frame” and “the world’s most powerful room.” Replies ranged from admiration for Musk’s global influence to lighthearted commentary on the unusual gathering. One user noted, “Love him or hate him, Elon Musk went from sleeping in factories to standing among world leaders shaping the future of AI, tech, energy, space and global economics. That’s not influence anymore. That’s history being written in real time.” Another quipped, “Elon being a tourist on a state visit,” while many expressed pride in seeing American tech leaders at the table with the two presidents.

The photo comes as Trump and Xi opened two days of formal talks focused on five key agendas: trade and tariffs, Taiwan security, Iran and Middle East stability, technology and critical minerals, and cooperation on fentanyl and people-to-people ties. Musk’s presence alongside Cook and Huang signals the administration’s emphasis on securing favorable terms for U.S. technology companies amid ongoing restrictions on advanced chips and AI development.

Trump has repeatedly highlighted Musk’s role in his inner circle, naming him a key adviser on government efficiency and innovation. Musk’s companies — Tesla with its massive Shanghai Gigafactory, SpaceX’s growing international launches, and xAI’s rapid advancements — give him direct stakes in U.S.-China relations. Tesla’s China operations alone represent a significant portion of its global production, making any shifts in trade policy highly consequential for the billionaire entrepreneur.

Xi greeted the U.S. delegation warmly, according to Chinese state media, emphasizing “mutual respect and win-win cooperation.” The inclusion of top American CEOs in the meetings underscores Beijing’s interest in maintaining business ties even as strategic competition persists. Analysts note that China views Musk as a pragmatic figure less aligned with traditional Washington hawks, potentially opening doors for targeted deals in electric vehicles, AI infrastructure and space collaboration.

The viral moment has reignited debates about the influence of private tech leaders in foreign policy. Supporters praise the collaboration as smart economic diplomacy, arguing that involving industry giants like Musk, Cook and Huang ensures practical outcomes rather than purely political posturing. Critics worry it blurs the line between government and corporate interests, potentially prioritizing billionaire agendas over broader national security concerns.

Musk has maintained a high profile during the trip, posting updates and engaging with Chinese users on X. His presence has drawn both praise and scrutiny from Chinese netizens, with some expressing admiration for his entrepreneurial spirit while others remain wary of U.S. tech influence. One reply in Chinese translated to, “I saw Elon, very happy to see you come to China. You are the best entrepreneur in the hearts of the vast majority of us.”

The summit itself carries enormous global weight. With tariffs still hovering on many Chinese goods and tensions simmering over Taiwan and the Iran conflict, any progress could stabilize markets and supply chains. Early indications suggest modest commitments on agricultural purchases and critical minerals, but deeper issues like semiconductor export controls and AI guardrails are expected to see more cautious dialogue.

For Musk, the Beijing visit represents another chapter in his complex relationship with China. Tesla has invested billions in its Shanghai factory, which remains one of the company’s most productive facilities. At the same time, Musk has publicly supported stronger U.S. defenses and has been vocal about concerns over Chinese influence in global affairs. His balancing act — maintaining business interests while advising the Trump administration — places him at the center of one of the world’s most consequential geopolitical relationships.

Social media reaction has been overwhelmingly focused on the optics of the photo. Users described the gathering as “trillion-dollar power in one room” and “the future negotiating in real time.” Several replies highlighted the irony and significance of Musk, once a meme-posting entrepreneur, now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the leaders of the world’s two largest economies and fellow tech titans.

The image also fueled speculation about potential announcements from the summit. With Cook and Huang present, discussions around Apple’s supply chain in China and NVIDIA’s AI chip access are almost certainly underway. Any easing of restrictions or new partnerships could have immediate market implications for the companies involved.

As the summit continues into its second day, all eyes remain on whether the high-level engagement yields tangible progress or remains largely symbolic. For now, the viral photo of Musk with Trump, Xi, Cook and Huang has captured the world’s attention, serving as a powerful visual of how technology, business and geopolitics are increasingly intertwined in 2026.

The moment underscores a broader truth: in today’s global landscape, private-sector leaders like Elon Musk have become indispensable players in diplomacy. Whether this summit marks a turning point in U.S.-China relations or simply another chapter in managed competition, the image of these figures together will likely be remembered as one of the defining visuals of the Trump era’s approach to China.

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Health goals don’t collapse in one moment. They erode. Tuesday the routine slips. Wednesday sleep is poor. By the following month, meals are reactive and the plan that felt solid in January has quietly disappeared. Nobody decided to stop. Things just drifted.

Weight management works the same way. Effort alone rarely explains the gap between intention and result. Biology runs a parallel process, one that operates independently of how motivated someone feels on a given morning. For a growing number of people, the real question is how habits and clinical support can fit together without making daily life feel like a medical programme.

Oral semaglutide changes part of that picture. A tablet format may remove one barrier for people who struggle with injections, which is why the Wegovy oral pill has entered the wider discussion. Worth examining what that actually means in practice.

UK Regulatory Status and Anticipated MHRA Approval Timeline

Semaglutide as an oral tablet for weight management is still developing in the UK, not a settled patient route yet. The FDA approved oral semaglutide 25mg in December 2025. In the UK, the 7.2mg Wegovy pen cleared MHRA review in April 2026. The oral tablet? No confirmed UK decision yet.

Private access and NHS routes may move at different speeds. They often do. Costs will vary depending on provider, assessment structure, and what follow-up looks like in each case. Anyone researching this now is doing so before full availability lands. That context matters for setting realistic expectations.

What the MHRA Approval Means for UK Patients

Approval of an injectable format does not automatically transfer to an oral one. Each formulation goes through its own process. What the injectable approval does show is that regulators have assessed higher-dose semaglutide for obesity under a separate formulation. That is useful context. It is not a guarantee of timeline for the tablet.

For people trying to understand how a tablet format might fit into their daily routine, the Wegovy pill is a clinical question first, not a lifestyle upgrade. Eligibility, medical history, side effects, and follow-up need proper review before any decision gets made. That review shapes whether treatment is appropriate, not just available.

Individual response varies. Clinical history, existing conditions, other medications. All of these shape what a prescriber recommends. Two people with similar health profiles may end up on different treatment paths depending on which format fits their actual daily life. That fit matters more than most people expect when treatment is meant to run for months.

Clinical Evidence from the OASIS-4 Trial and Efficacy Outcomes

Sixty-four weeks. Daily oral semaglutide 25mg. OASIS-4 participants recorded notable body weight reductions across the study period. Entry criteria: BMI 30 or above, or 27 and above where weight-related health conditions were present.

Two participants on the same protocol for the same duration can produce different outcomes. The trial cannot control for everything. Data supports efficacy. It does not promise a specific number on any individual’s scale. Starting from that position is more useful than starting from best-case projections.

What the trial does confirm: oral delivery of semaglutide produces clinically relevant weight reduction in eligible adults. Wegovy tablets work through the same receptor pathway as the injectable form. That is the foundation.

How Oral Semaglutide Compares to Injectable Wegovy

Wegovy by injection: 2.4mg, once weekly. Wegovy tablets: 25mg, once daily. GLP-1 receptor agonist action in both cases, influencing appetite and glycaemic control through the same biological mechanism. Outcomes appear to sit in a comparable range across available trial data.

Adherence drives the choice here, not pharmacology. Some people may not want to inject themselves at home over an extended period. Not a weakness. A real barrier that determines whether treatment starts at all. Removing the needle may reduce the training requirement, the anxiety, and the logistical weight of managing an injectable long-term.

Starting a format that gets maintained beats starting a theoretically better format that gets abandoned. That distinction is clinical, not just practical.

Dosing, Administration, and Safety Considerations

Empty stomach. Non-negotiable. Oral semaglutide 25mg needs 30 minutes clear before food or other medications. Built into how the tablet absorbs. Cannot be worked around.

Treatment starts low. Dose titrates upward over several weeks to reach 25mg. Standard for GLP-1 therapies. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation show up commonly in the early weeks. Most run mild to moderate. Many settle as adjustment progresses. Clinical assessment covers contraindications, medical history, and suitability before any prescription is issued. That step is where appropriateness gets determined, not after.

Practical Adherence Strategies for Daily Oral Dosing

Same time. Every morning. Before food. Before anything else. Vague plans to take it “in the morning” produce missed doses by week three. A single smartphone alarm, set once, removes the daily decision. It fires. The tablet gets taken. This is where daily routine does more than motivation.

Pill organisers add a physical confirmation layer. One glance replaces the need to remember. Useful on the mornings when memory is not reliable.

Missing one daily dose may carry less individual impact than missing a weekly injection. That is the maths. Across a full month, though, irregular patterns accumulate. Week one habits tend to stick. Week four corrections rarely do.

UK Access Pathways, Cost Considerations, and Patient Journey

Private prescription routes may move ahead of NHS funding. Costs will vary by provider, assessment model, and follow-up structure. These details should become clearer as approval progresses.

If approval is confirmed, GPhC-registered online pharmacies with clinician oversight may become one access route. A typical regulated process would involve clinical consultation, eligibility review, and a prescription only where criteria are met.

Weight management over the long term comes down to whether the format, the routine, and the clinical structure hold together across months. A treatment route can look strong on paper and still fail if it does not fit the morning, the workday, the meal pattern, and the person using it.

That is why the conversation around tablets matters. Not because a different format removes the need for assessment, follow-up, or daily habits. It does not. But for some patients, a routine that feels easier to keep may make the whole structure easier to maintain.

A high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is being closely watched across global markets, with investors, policymakers and businesses hoping for signs of stability after years of escalating geopolitical friction between the world’s two largest economies.

Speaking to ET Now, market strategist from China Market Research Group & Author Shaun Rein described the summit as one of the most consequential diplomatic engagements in recent years, particularly against the backdrop of trade disputes, AI rivalry and mounting tensions in West Asia.

“This is an important meeting. This is the first time that an American president has stepped foot in China nine years since Trump started the trade war back in 2017-2018 and the whole world, India, United States, Europe, Africa, we have all suffered from the geopolitical split and tension between the US and China,” Rein said.

He pointed out that export controls imposed by Washington on advanced technologies, including AI chips and semiconductors, had intensified the economic divide between the two nations. China, in response, has leveraged its dominance in refined rare earths, a critical input for global manufacturing and electronics.

“As America has forbidden and put export controls on all types of products from Nvidia chips to being exported to China, China has retaliated by holding the Sword of Damocles over the rest of the world, saying, will we send out Chinese refined rare earths or not,” he said.

West Asia Crisis Likely to Dominate Discussions
While trade and AI remain major strategic concerns, Rein believes the worsening conflict in West Asia could overshadow economic discussions during the summit.
“Well, trade, AI, and just competing visions of the global world order is very important. But unfortunately, because Trump has had a self-inflicted wound by invading Iran through bombs, that is what the large part of the discussion is going to be,” Rein said.
According to him, Washington is increasingly dependent on Beijing’s diplomatic leverage to ease tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

He argued that China’s interests align more closely with restoring stability in the Middle East rather than prolonging conflict.

“We have to remember they do $108 billion of trade with Saudi Arabia, $103 billion of trade with UAE, and only officially about 15 billion of trade with Iran,” Rein noted, adding that China’s broader economic priorities in the region outweigh its ties with Tehran.

Rein also said China would prefer an end to regional tensions as inflationary pressures begin to re-emerge domestically.

“So, China says, what, let us try to work with the United States and get a win to fix the problems in the Middle East because I do not think that China is as close to Iran as a lot of Americans believe they are,” he added.

Supply Chain Decoupling Still Intact
Despite expectations surrounding the summit, Rein warned that the broader decoupling of US and Chinese supply chains is unlikely to reverse anytime soon.

He said Chinese companies and policymakers no longer trust long-term access to American technology after years of export restrictions and sanctions.

“So, the Chinese will never ever after a decade of being harassed and oppressed by the United States build their AI and their technology sector on the American tech stack anymore. They are going to focus on indigenous innovation,” he said.

Rein suggested investors should increasingly watch domestic Chinese technology players rather than American firms dependent on China exposure.

“So, investors should be looking at Chinese players like Cambricon, SMIC, Hua Hong. The Chinese players are going to do well because nobody in China can trust that they will be able to rely on the American tech stack,” he said.

He also argued that countries across the Global South have become wary of relying too heavily on US-controlled technologies and financial systems after Washington’s repeated use of sanctions and economic restrictions.

China Holds Stronger Position, Says Rein
On the balance of power between Washington and Beijing, Rein said China currently holds greater leverage in both trade and geopolitics.

“China clearly has won the trade war. China clearly has more leverage over the United States right now,” he said.

According to Rein, China’s influence extends far beyond rare earths and electronics, covering pharmaceuticals, antibiotics and key industrial supply chains that are deeply embedded in the global economy.

“It is the fact that China also controls along with India a combined 95% of antibiotic production. It also makes almost 100% of ibuprofen and paracetamol,” he said.

Rein argued that deteriorating ties between the United States and several traditional allies had further strengthened China’s global position.

“But the problem is Trump has ticked off his allies, Canada, France, Germany, and these leaders of these countries have all visited Xi Jinping and made the pilgrimage to China in the last two months,” he said.

India’s Strategic Position Under Spotlight
Rein also spoke extensively about India’s evolving role amid shifting global alliances, suggesting that India has the potential to emerge as one of the world’s leading superpowers over the long term.

“I believe India should and will become one of the three major global superpowers,” he said.

However, he questioned New Delhi’s current balancing strategy between Washington and Beijing and argued that India should adopt a more pragmatic relationship with China.

“I am happy to see that direct flights between the two countries have come back. I am glad to see that more visas are being issued both ways. Both countries should be working together to offset western imperialism,” Rein said.

He added that India should remain cautious about becoming overly dependent on the United States.

“You need to understand that the United States will do all that it can to prevent India from getting too strong,” he said.

As markets assess the possible outcomes of the Trump-Xi meeting, analysts believe even a temporary easing of rhetoric between the two nations could provide relief to global businesses grappling with geopolitical uncertainty, disrupted supply chains and shifting trade policies.

GB News Radio has emerged as the fastest-growing network station in the country, with the latest RAJAR figures showing a 21 per cent surge in year-on-year reach that has pushed the upstart broadcaster decisively ahead of its closest commercial rivals.

The station, which forms part of the wider GB News operation, attracted 676,000 listeners during the first quarter of 2026, comfortably overtaking Times Radio on 604,000 and Talk on 560,000. It is a result that will sharpen the competitive temperature in a speech-radio market that has seen heavy investment from News UK, Global and Bauer over the past five years.

GB News Radio’s 21 per cent expansion outstripped Talk’s 16 per cent uplift and the 6 per cent rise recorded by LBC, the long-standing market leader in the news-and-talk format. Times Radio, by contrast, saw its annual reach contract by 3 per cent, raising fresh questions about the trajectory of News UK’s five-year-old digital station.

Listening hours at GB News Radio reached 4.35 million in the quarter, a modest 1 per cent improvement on the same period last year but a figure the broadcaster argues underlines deepening listener loyalty alongside the headline reach growth.

Much of the momentum has come from younger demographics that commercial talk-radio operators have historically struggled to capture. The station reported a 20 per cent increase among adults aged 35 to 54 over the past quarter, with the 35-to-54 male audience climbing 30 per cent — a cohort that remains particularly prized by advertisers in the speech genre.

Ben Briscoe, head of programming at GB News, said the numbers reflected a clear shift in listening habits. “These figures show more and more people are turning to GB News Radio for breaking news, opinion and coverage of the day’s biggest stories,” he said. “The continued growth reflects the hard work, commitment and first-class journalism produced by our teams across the schedule every day. Just like on TV, GB News Radio is leaving its rivals trailing behind.”

The radio performance mirrors a strong run for the group’s television operation. GB News was the most-watched news channel in the UK on local election results day, with BARB figures showing an average audience of 185,700 on Friday 8 May. That was 56 per cent ahead of Sky News, which drew 119,000 viewers, and almost double the BBC News Channel’s 93,200.

During April, the channel averaged 89,500 viewers and a 1.59 per cent share, edging Sky News on 86,200 viewers and a 1.53 per cent share. Between July 2025 and April 2026, GB News averaged 90,300 viewers and a 1.47 per cent share, ahead of the BBC News Channel’s 83,900 viewers (1.37 per cent) and Sky News’s 72,000 viewers (1.18 per cent), capping a ten-month run in which the broadcaster has consistently outperformed both established rivals.

For the wider commercial broadcasting sector, the latest RAJAR data points to a more fragmented and contestable speech-radio market than at any point in the past decade, and one in which the newest entrant is now setting the pace.

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